A cute children’s book from a fellow Canadian!
I think what, When Rabbit was a Lion, is trying to say is that parties are great and all; but so is peace and quiet. It does a good job leading up to the big party. Although a lessor job at explaining that Rabbit (aka Lion) needed a more chill pace.

Whether because of sensory overload, overwhelming feelings, etc. is deemed irrelevant (as we never learn why).
This fundamental choice, of not explaining what that trigger is, is my reason for four stars (instead of five). For children to grow and learn, social interaction is critical. But introverted kids (like I was) can still enjoy a party or two. By not disclosing what set Rabbit off, I think the author missed an opportunity to further educate the child/reader about some of the reasons we get overwhelmed and not just changing the whole mood.

Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.

A sweet picture book that introduces the idea of what it feels like to be an introvert to young readers. Rabbit was very excited to spend time with friends and host a costume party and spent the week leading up to the party by getting things prepared, After his friends show up though, Rabbit realizes that all the noise and exuberance that come along with parties is making him feel overwhelmed. Luckily, his friends take notice of his absence and decide to participate in activities that are more calm and quiet so that Rabbit may rejoin them. A wonderful book to use as discussion for empathy, friendship, and acceptance.

I received an arc of this title from NetGalley for an honest review. Rabbit wants to have a party, but sometimes parties overwhelm him. He decides on a costume party and soon finds it to be too much, but his friends help calm him down with other activities. A great picture book for kids who shy away from noise and parties.

This book is a cute fun way to explain the behaviour of introverts to children. In the story, Rabbit has a party where he quickly becomes overwhelmed with all the excitement and noise. The animals at Rabbit’s party were able to adapt and play in a way that everyone could have fun. Although Rabbit had fun with the other animals at the party, Rabbit was looking forward to a quiet day doing nothing the following Saturday. The animations in this book are well done and the story is engaging for younger kids to read. This book would be a good addition to any school or public library.

Thank you to Owlkids Books and NetGalley for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Very cute children’s book with a good message about acceptance of others and being brave and being oneself. Great edition to any children’s/classroom library. Darling illustrations and not too text heavy.

A shy and quiet rabbit decides to throw a costume party for his friends. He works hard making everything just right, but when the party turns out to be a ROARING success, he looks for a calm place to get away from it all.

This is a sweet story about friendship and being sensitive to others' needs.

The author's soft illustrations are lovely.

When Rabbit Was a Lion is spot-on! There has never been a more insightful book that explains to kids about sensory challenges, and how they are perfectly normal. All too often, they feel different, alone, and rejected. Through Rabbit, this book shows kids that not only is it ok to have challenges with sensory overload, but there are techniques to make it easier to live with. Rabbit, who is dressed as a lion at the party, gets overwhelmed. His friends tune into what he is feeling, and help him by creating a much quieter environment. This will benefit not only those that struggle with sensory frustrations, but also their friends. They will begin to understand why their friend has to walk away from certain environments, and why noise is just a bit too much sometimes. Children will be able to validate their friend’s feelings, provide empathy, and help them with their struggles. The story and illustrations are a lot of fun, and also assist in easily clarifying sensory frustrations to a child. This is a highly recommended book for all children!

This is a cute story with beautiful illustrations about a rabbit who throws a party and then becomes overstimulated. Luckily his friends decide to party a little quieter.

When Rabbit was a Lion teaches about having empathy and that kindness towards others helps us all. Rabbit wants to do something fun for his friends. He has a party for his friends but when he couldn't cope, the other friends adjusted and were quiet. Now everyone could enjoy the party and have fun. Thank you to NetGalley, Owlkids Books and Eugenie Fernandes for the ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily and is my own opinion.
#netgalley, #whenrabbitwasalion, #owlskidsbooks, #empathy, #kindness

I received an electronic ARC from Owlkids Books through NetGalley.
Tender story about a quiet rabbit who wanted to do something for his friends even though it was not his favorite way to be together. His dear friend checked in with him and supported him as they prepared for the party and during the event. When Rabbit could not cope, their other friends adjusted and were quieter so Rabbit could be part of the fun too. I love how the author encourages readers to stretch their boundaries and still be respectful of who they are. This friend group is incredible too. They make adjustments so everyone feels included. Terrific book for early in the school year.

This story is adorable and the illustrations have a Beatrix Potter feel to them which adds to the zen like quality of the picture book. Rabbit is precious and I'm sure readers all have someone in their life who reminds them of this character. Empathy and kindness are the lessons learned, in an entertaining format for the whole family.

This is a great book to share with the introverts or sensory avoidance kids in your life. I loved how rabbit wasn't the one who changed in the end, it was his friends

A sweet story about a little rabbit with social anxiety who doesn’t like loud noises. This is a relevant topic to many elementary kids. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for this lovely eARC!

This is so perfect. Some kids don't love noise but do love their friends. This is a wonderful book that explains to children that sometimes some kids don't want the wild loud parties.
Also it perfectly cute.

A cute story about animals throwing a costume party. Rabbit is worried his costume of a lion won’t be successful. Then at the party, Rabbit has to take a break because the party is a lot. I liked the idea of the story - I just wish the main idea had been a little clearer!